(International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental, and Reinforcing Iron Workers)
The National Ironworkers Training Program for American Indians (NITPAI) originated in January 1972 in Antigo, Wisconsin. From Antigo it moved to Hammond, Indiana and then to Chicago where classes are now held at Local Union No. 63’s apprentice training center. This pre-apprentice program has been a successful cooperation between the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) and the Ironworkers International. The BIA provides the funding and the Ironworkers provide the training. Native Americans have been part of Ironworkers history since 1886 when the St. Lawrence River was bridged on tribal land in Quebec. Ironworker foremen noticed that Mohawks, who were working as laborers were surefooted on the span and soon hired them as Ironworkers.
Today Native Americans come from all parts of the United States to participate in this program with hopes of starting careers as apprentice Ironworkers.
After finishing this 12- week course each student has:
They should also be well versed in:
With the approval of the Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training the graduates are placed as apprentices at local unions throughout the country. Placement is contingent on the graduate meeting the requirements of these local unions. The two main components which make this program a success are the students who meet the challenge of finishing this 12 week course and the Local unions that give these men and women the chance to become apprentice Ironworkers.
For more information on this program visit http://ironworkerstrainingprogramforamericanindians.com/ or contact:
Russell Gschwind Director of the NITPAI 1819 Beach ST Broadview IL 60155 (708) 345-2344
